This was followed by a sharp shock, the two companions, as they tore on, cannoning against the vedette, West's pony striking the horse in his front full upon the shoulder and driving the poor beast right in the way of Ingleborough's, with the consequence that there was a second collision which sent the Boer and his horse prostrate, Ingleborough's pony making a bound which cleared the struggling pair, and then racing forward alongside of its stable companion, when they galloped on shoulder to shoulder.

They were followed by a scattered fire of bullets, and when these ceased West turned in his saddle and listened, to hear the heavy beat of many hoofs, telling of pursuit; but the despatch-riders were well through the line, and galloped on at full speed for the next half-hour, when they slackened down and gradually drew rein and listened.
"Can't hear a sound!" said West.
"Nor I," replied Ingleborough, after a pause.

"So now let's breathe our nags and go steadily, for we may very likely come upon another of these lines of mounted men." A short consultation was then held respecting the line of route to be followed as likely to be the most clear of the enemy.
"I've been thinking," said Ingleborough, "that our best way will be to strike off west, and after we are over the river to make a good long detour." West said nothing, but rode on by his companion's side, letting his pony have a loose rein so that the sure-footed little beast could pick its way and avoid stones.
"I think that will be the best plan," said Ingleborough, after a long pause.
Still West was silent.
"What is it ?" said his companion impatiently.
"I was thinking," was the reply.
"Well, you might say something," continued Ingleborough, in an ill-used tone.

"It would be more lively if you only gave a grunt." "Humph!" It was as near an imitation as the utterer could give, and Ingleborough laughed.
"Thanks," he said.

"That's a little more cheering.